Vote Buying, Low Participation Takes Prominence In Anambra Election

By Joseph Sunday 

Widespread vote buying and low voters turnout has taken prominence in the 2025 Anambra governorship election, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has reported, despite improvements in election logistics by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

CDD praised INEC for high voters card collection and timely result uploads but noted that delays at some polling units, weak voters mobilization, and a lack of issue-based campaigns kept many residents away from the polls. Only 21.4% of registered voters participated, with young people, women, and  with disabilities facing barriers to voting.

Security was largely maintained, with over 45,000 personnel deployed, but CDD warned that peace may not last once security forces leave. The organization also flagged the spread of false information targeting political parties, INEC, and security agencies during the election.

The group called for reforms to curb vote buying, boost civic education, improve inclusion, and strengthen INEC’s capacity ahead of future elections, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy depends on credible governance as much as on voting.